MRS. T. (coming down). A very, very agreeable young man indeed.
JESSIE (satirically). Yes; so remarkably sprightly.
JACK. With about as much humor in him as a damp umbrella.
MRS. T. (a little nettled). I repeat, Mr. Chirper is a very agreeable person. I would put it to anybody—to the very first comer.
JACK. Would you? That’s a bargain (seeing BLUNT, who appears at C.). There’s my man, Stephen Blunt—he’ll do; you said the first comer. Here, Blunt (BLUNT advances), tell me what’s your opinion of the gentleman who has just gone?
BLUNT (aside to JACK, knowingly). All right, captain, I haven’t forgot. (Aloud.) Well, sir, I think he’s charming, delightful, first-chop.
JACK (quickly). No, no! I mean the other—the young one.
BLUNT. Well, sir, I think he’s first-chop, too.
JACK. Ugh! triple dolt, brute, idiot. (BLUNT about to speak.) Silence! get out! Stop, come and dress me! Ugh! pudding-head (shakes his fist at BLUNT and hurries out L. H., followed by BLUNT).
MRS. T. Why, what’s the matter with the boy? such a temper all of a sudden.